NY Giants: Which Practice Squad Player Contributes in 2018

Practice Squad Players Looking to Break Through

By Michael Stewart @golferbad

Introduction: GM Dave Gettleman has been hard at work rebuilding the New York Giants roster for 2018. Aside from free agency, the upcoming draft, UDFA signings and the waiver wire; he does have options already on his current roster of players who could emerge and contribute in 2018. Here’s a look at my top 5 sleepers for 2018.

Chad Wheeler-6’7/310 (OT): Wheeler was a UDFA last season and played more than expected as a rookie. Wheeler is athletic and has the ability to block well on the move. Ereck Flowers is currently penciled in as the starting RT. Wheeler will push Flowers and could outperform him for playing time by mid pre-season. Along with Adam Bisnowaty also in the mix at RT, If Wheeler continues to Improve, along with Flowers and Bisnowaty. The Giants will have much needed depth along the offensive line; which they haven’t had in a long time

Josh Banks-6’3/280 (DT/DE): Banks played at Wake Forest lining up mostly at defensive tackle, but is suitable on the edge as well. The Giants new defensive scheme (3-4) could benefit Banks in making the team. Banks is very mobile for his size, but needs to get a little stronger at point of attack.

Jordan Williams-6’3/285 (DT/DE): Williams was in contention of nearly making the Giants 53 man roster in 2017. The D End is similar to Josh Banks and more suitable for the 3-4 defense. He played both tackle and end in college. He has an endless motor and plays mean with a blue-collar mentality. Williams will be hard pressed to crack the 53 man roster in 2018.

Donte Deayon-5’9/165 (S/CB): Deayon also had an impressive training camp in 2017 and was one of the finalist for a final spot on the roster. The current additions made by GM Gettleman this off season and the likelihood of a draft pick make it more challenging for Deayon. Despite his lack of size, Deayon has the skill set to be a solid contributor for the Giants.

Adam Bisnowaty-6’6/310 (OT): Bisnowaty has improved dramatically since his rookie season and will be given every opportunity to compete for the right tackle position against Ereck Flowers and Chad Wheeler. Bisnowaty plays hard and has a mean streak; which works well for him to compensate for his lack of athleticism. He may not be as gifted as Flowers or even Wheeler; however; he possesses a never quit motto. He made the NFL.

Final Thoughts: GM Dave Gettleman and HC Pat Shurmur are banking that at least one of these five players emerges and as a top candidate to make the 53 man roster. The door is wide open as all the positions mentioned above could use additional talent. The draft is upon us and the UDFA phase has some self life still. The Giants will also looked at the waiver wire.